40 of the most underrated travel destinations around the world

While big cities like Paris or Rome are probably at the top of your travel bucket list, there are plenty of off-the-radar destinations that deserve your attention.

From overlooked second cities — Bergen, Norway, and Valparaíso, Chile, to name a few — to beautiful islands such as Anguilla and Pangkor Island, Malaysia, INSIDER has you covered with unexpected spots that you'll want to visit.

Bergen, Norway

While often overshadowed by Oslo, the Norwegian capital, Bergen — the country's second-largest city — has plenty to offer.

From the vibrant buildings that dot Bryggen, a historic harbor district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the spectacular views from Fløyen Mountain, which is accessible by funicular, charm and natural beauty abound. An ideal destination for watersport fans, visitors can also go kayaking and rafting through Norway's famous fjords.

Sarandë, Albania

Sarandë (also spelled Saranda), a resort in the Albanian Riviera, is equally known for its archaeological ruins and its beaches.

While you'll find the remains of a 5th-century synagogue in the town itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to prehistoric times is located about 12 miles outside Sarandë. The site, Butrint, has in the course of its storied history functioned as a Greek colony, a Roman city, and a bishopric.

If you'd rather catch some rays than sightsee, some of the most popular beaches in the area include Mirror Beach, Santa Quaranta Beach, and Pulebardha Beach. "A friend's photos of Pulebardha Beach was the impetus for my visit to Albania and it was well worth the visit," writes a TripAdvisor user.

Anguilla

The British territory of Anguilla has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
EQRoy/Shutterstock

US News and World Report ranked Anguilla— a British overseas territory — as the Caribbean island with the best beaches. With an embargo on cruise ships, casinos, and even high-rise hotels, Anguilla is far from a tourist trap.

According to users on TripAdvisor, Shoal Bay is one of the best beaches on the island — and possibly in the world. "The white powder sand and turquoise water is so peaceful and beautiful. Although all the beaches on Anguilla are beautiful, in my opinion Shoal Bay East is the best," one user raves.

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Valparaíso, Chile

You can see a house owned by poet Pablo Neruda in this colorful city.
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In a word, Valparaíso is colorful. Chile's second-largest city is known for its street art and eye-catching graffiti, and the rainbow of houses that dot its steep roads — among them a home owned by Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. If the incline becomes tiring, you can hop aboard one of Valparaíso's funiculars, which offer a new perspective on the maze-like geography.

Neruda expressed his love for the city in the poem "Oda a Valparaíso," in which he observes how Valparaíso looks as if "life has always surprised [it]."

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Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, Japan

Characterized by their thatched-roof, Gassho-style farmhouses — a traditional form of Japanese architecture that evolved to withstand the elements— the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are charmingly nestled in a river valley in central Japan.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

While Lake Bled may have the name recognition, another body of water in the Julian Alps should also be on your radar. More remote and just as breathtaking, Lake Bohinj is a nature lover's paradise. Visitors can explore the gorgeous environs by hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

At Tsitsikamma, part of Garden Route National Park, you can get active by swimming, hiking, biking, and even abseiling (rappelling). While you're there, be sure to look out for the dolphins and otters the park is famous for.

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Hill Country, Texas, United States

Texas Hill Country is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the US.E_Cotner / iStock

One of eight recognized wine-growing regions in Texas, the Lone Star State's Hill Country spans an incredible nine million acres and encompasses 25 counties. In addition to being one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the US, Lonely Planet included the destination in its 2017 list of the best places to visit in America.

"[The state] is making great wine, mostly from grape varieties you would find in places like Spain, southern France, and Italy," according to James Tidwell, Master Sommelier at the Four Seasons Resort in Dallas, Texas.

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Garni Gorge, Armenia

Armenia's Garni Gorge, situated near a village of the same name, is accessible via car or on foot. The gorge is distinguished by vertical cliffs that feature well-preserved basalt columns. It's also home to a temple that dates to the first century — possibly the world's eastern-most Greek temple.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Calgary, a city with a cosmopolitan feel and a rural heritage, is located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. While some only visit to experience the famous mountains, there's much more to do — whether you're taking in an exhibit at the Glenbow Museum, which specializes in art and artifacts from Western Canada, or checking out the local foodie scene at the Calgary Farmers' Market.

The former cattle-ranching capital is perhaps best known for its an annual rodeo, a 10-day event called the Calgary Stampede.

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Puglia, Italy

Italy's Puglia region, which forms the heel of the boot-shaped country, is often overlooked in favor of higher-profile destinations like Tuscany. Yet Puglia has a vibe all its own, from its local wine and cuisine — think homemade orecchiette pasta— to its exquisite beaches.

You'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Polignano a Mare, Torre Canne, and Gallipoli.

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Oedo Botania, South Korea

If your idea of an island paradise resembles a garden, Oedo Botania is the place for you.

After seeking shelter on the island when it was just an outcrop of rocks, a man named Lee Chang-ho decided to develop it into a botanical garden with his wife. Located off the southern coast of South Korea, Oedo Botania is accessible only by ferry from the adjacent island of Geoje.

"Oedo is a wonderfully scenic island. The gardens are spectacular and there are an amazing amount of opportunities to take photos," writes a TripAdvisor user.

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Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland, United States

Assateague is home to hundreds of horses.
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Assateague, a barrier island shared by Virginia and Maryland, is known for the wild horses (more than 300 in total) that roam its beaches. According to folklore, the horses arrived on the island when a ship was wrecked off the coast of Virginia in the 18th century.

While you can simply enjoy the beauty of Assateague and its equine inhabitants, outdoorsy types will want to take advantage of the island's many campsites and bike paths.

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La Roque-Gageac, France

La Roque-Gageac is a picturesque cliff-side village along the Dordogne River.Shutterstock/ostill

Located on the north bank of the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac is a picturesque cliff-side village known for its yellow houses, which were built from stone in the traditional Périgord style. The village also features a 12th-century fort and an exotic garden.

According to TripAdvisor users, a hot air balloon tour that leaves from La Roque-Gageac is a great way to see the broader Dordogne region.

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Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a principality located between Switzerland and Austria.
RossHelen/Shutterstock

With access to the Alps via the foothills of the Rhätikon Mountains, Liechtenstein also offers numerous hiking trails and ski slopes.

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León, Nicaragua.

León.
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Filled with stunning beaches and uncrowded waves, as well as lower prices than many of its more well-known neighbors, Nicaragua is becoming a destination to be reckoned with.

León was founded in 1524 by a Spanish conquistador, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. It was also Nicaragua's capital until 1857, and is filled with churches, museums, and beautiful architecture. It's a popular jumping-off point for visiting the many nearby volcanoes.

Extremadura, Spain

For an off-the-beaten-path destination in Spain, check out Extremadura. This historical region in the southwestern part of the country borders Portugal and is home to the ruins of a Roman theater.

Another noteworthy site is Monfragüe, a national park known for its geological features and wildlife, including 208 species of vertebrates.

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Salta, Argentina

Salta moves to the rhythm of its famous folk music.
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Located in northwestern Argentina in the Lerma Valley, Salta is a lively city that moves to the rhythm of its famous folk music, which marries elements of Spanish musical traditions with lyrics about Argentine rural life.

The Salta province is also one of Argentina's leading wine-growing regions, featuring some of the most extreme vineyards on the planet. Situated at lower latitudes and higher altitudes than most of the world's vineyards, the climate is well-suited to viticulture.

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Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Get a culture fix at the lauded (and subversive) Museum of Old and New Art, which was opened by local mathematician and gambler David Walsh and cost $200 million to build. "Curators from New York and Paris have marveled at how the museum flouts convention: There are no explanatory placards fixed to the walls, and visitors are encouraged to wander through the subterranean spaces at will," the New York Times reported.

At Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a 30-minute drive from the city, animal lovers can see marsupials ranging from koalas to kangaroos — not to mention the island's famous Tasmanian devils.

Ahmedabad, India

Temple gateway in Ahmedabad, India.
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Ahmedabad was just named a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the walled city dates back to the 1400s, when it was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah, and offers a glimpse into life during a time when sultans ruled.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

While Prague may steal the spotlight, Český Krumlov — a small, Medieval town about two hours from the Czech capital by car — boasts fewer crowds and plenty of old-world charm, not to mention a castle that houses an opulent Baroque theater.

The historic center of this fairy tale town, which was built in the 13th century, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Island of Gozo, Malta

Gozo, Malta's sister island, is small in size but rich in history. The nine-mile-long Mediterranean island contains 46 churches and a megalithic temple complex called Ġgantija, whose name is derived from the Maltese word for "giant."

According to tradition, Gozo is said to be Ogyia, the island from Greek mythology where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive.

Malawi

When people think of safaris in Africa, they often think of Botswana or Uganda. However, Malawi is an off-the-beaten-path safari destination that also boasts white sand beaches— mostly along Lake Malawi, Africa's third-largest lake.

Thanks to a lion reintroduction program at Majete Wildlife Reserve, and the conservation efforts of African Parks' 500 Elephants program, in which 500 elephants were moved to Malawi, Malawi should be on top of any bucket list for wildlife watching.

Sintra, Portugal

Located 18 miles outside Portugal's capital, Lisbon, Sintra is famous for its multi-hued, Instagram-friendly buildings — like Pena Palace, a 19th-century castle built in the Romanticist style.

The city's gardens are just as glorious as its architecture. The flowers and plants on display at the Quinta da Regaleira estate, which TripAdvisor users describe as "mystic" and "memorable," are especially notable.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is an exciting culinary and cultural destination.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

If you're planning a trip to Asia, you might consider large cities like Beijing or Tokyo. But you should add Taipei to your list too.

From the bustling food markets that form the hub of the city's nightlife to museums such as the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine and the National Palace Museum, Taiwan's capital is an exciting culinary and cultural destination in its own right.

La Paz, Bolivia

Sitting at an elevation of between 10,650 and 13,250 feet above sea level, La Paz is the world's highest administrative capital. To view the gorgeous Andean scenery from above, take a ride on Mi Teleférico, the city's aerial cable car system.

Named a "best value" city by Lonely Planet, La Paz is enjoyable no matter your budget. Travelers can sample fresh food at La Paz's markets and go on hiking and biking excursions for under $30 a day. Even if you spring for a trendy hotel or dine at upscale restaurants, you'll still be spending less than you would in pricier locales.

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Ladakh, India

In Ladakh, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are built right into the Indian Himalayas. While the high altitude and rough terrain might intimidate some travelers, the unbridled beauty of the arid mountain landscape is spectacular.

Dakar, Senegal

Whether you want to surf or experience the local music scene, Dakar — Senegal's capital — could be the place for you.

"Senegal is another emerging west African destination, thanks to its great beaches for surfing, music venues, culture, and food," a travel expert told Business Insider.

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Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Guayaquil.
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While often dismissed as a necessary layover en route to the Galapagos islands (another must-visit), a refreshed riverfront, as well as new hotels and restaurants popping up all over town are enticing visitors to spend more than just one night in Guayaquil.